From the Guidelines
Improvements in rated attractiveness can indeed increase satisfaction with aesthetic appearance, as evidenced by the positive impact of various interventions on self-perception and confidence. When individuals undergo treatments or make changes that positively affect how others rate their attractiveness, this often leads to better self-perception and increased confidence 1. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) includes techniques such as psychoeducation, exposure and response prevention, and behavioral experiments, which can help individuals develop a more balanced perspective on their appearance and reduce their preoccupation with perceived flaws 1.
Some key points to consider in this context include:
- The distinction between physical appearance and body image, with the former being objective and the latter being a subjective experience 1
- The importance of selective attention and self-focused attention in shaping an individual's perception of their appearance 1
- The use of mirror retraining to encourage individuals to process their image as a whole and view themselves in a neutral, non-judgmental way 1
- The potential benefits of gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) and gender-affirming surgery (GAS) for transgender and gender-diverse individuals, including improved quality of life, decreased gender dysphoria, and increased satisfaction with their appearance 1
It is also worth noting that the relationship between rated attractiveness and satisfaction with aesthetic appearance is complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including social psychology and neuropsychology 1. However, the available evidence suggests that improvements in rated attractiveness can have a positive impact on an individual's self-perception and confidence, which can in turn enhance their overall quality of life.
In terms of specific interventions, the evidence suggests that a range of approaches can be effective in improving satisfaction with aesthetic appearance, including:
- Skincare regimens and cosmetic procedures 1
- Fitness routines and grooming practices 1
- Style enhancements and other forms of self-expression 1
- CBT and other forms of psychotherapy 1
- GAHT and GAS for transgender and gender-diverse individuals 1
From the Research
Improvements in Rated Attractiveness and Satisfaction with Aesthetic Appearance
- Improvements in rated attractiveness can increase satisfaction with aesthetic appearance, as evidenced by studies that have investigated the effects of cosmetic surgery and other aesthetic treatments on body image and self-esteem 2, 3.
- A study published in the Acta chirurgiae plasticae found that aesthetic surgery improved individuals' satisfaction with their body image and self-confidence, with 38.6% of participants reporting being very satisfied with their physical appearance after treatment, compared to 7.3% before treatment 2.
- Another study published in the Aesthetic surgery journal found that patients reported improvements in their overall appearance and body image, as well as high rates of satisfaction, up to 2 years after cosmetic surgery 3.
- However, other factors such as personality traits, clothing, and social interactions can also influence judgments of physical attractiveness, and may play a larger role in determining overall attractiveness than physical appearance alone 4, 5.
- The effect of cosmetics on attractiveness can be significant, but may be smaller than the variation in attractiveness observed between individuals due to differences in identity 4.
- Dissatisfaction with tooth appearance and tooth color can also contribute to decreased satisfaction with aesthetic appearance, and may be related to a desire for aesthetic treatments such as orthodontic or cosmetic dentistry procedures 6.